Soul Rhythms: Confession

Imagine a life where you’re deeply connected to God—where bitterness, guilt, and anxiety no longer weigh you down. Picture yourself as someone resilient in setbacks, calm in conflict, and hopeful for the future. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s what God desires for us. Through spiritual practices like daily time with God and the often-overlooked discipline of confession, this kind of life is within reach.

What Is Confession?

When we hear the word confession, we might think of admitting a crime or wrongdoing, but the biblical idea of confession goes much deeper. At its core, confession is about agreeing with God. This agreement happens in two key ways:

1. Agreeing with God About Jesus
   Confession begins with a bold declaration: “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9). In the early church, this was a radical statement. While the Roman Empire exalted Caesar as “Lord” and “Savior,” Christians proclaimed that Jesus alone held that title. This wasn’t just a statement of belief; it was a realignment of their entire lives under Jesus’ authority.

   For us today, confessing that Jesus is Lord is just as transformational. It’s not about using Jesus as a tool to improve our lives or secure a ticket to heaven. Instead, it’s about surrendering to his rightful place as the King of our lives. This foundational step brings peace, purpose, and a renewed identity.

2. Agreeing with God About Sin
   Confession also means acknowledging our sins—admitting where we’ve gone wrong and bringing those things to God. Psalm 32 paints a vivid picture of the weight of unconfessed sin:
   “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away… Then I acknowledged my sin to you… and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

   Carrying unconfessed sin is like dragging around a heavy bag of trash. It saps your energy, steals your peace, and clouds your mind. But when you confess, God takes that burden away. He is eager to forgive and restore, casting our sins as far as the east is from the west.

The Healing Power of Confession

Confession is more than a spiritual discipline—it’s a source of healing. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our sins to one another, not just to God, for healing. Science even backs this up. Studies show that confessing—especially out loud to a trusted person—releases oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and breaks the compulsive cycle of addiction.

This doesn’t mean you need a pastor or priest to be forgiven. Forgiveness comes directly from God through Jesus. But when you confess to a safe, trusted individual, you experience an additional layer of healing. It’s a way to release the emotional and mental weight of sin, finding both peace and accountability.

Confession and Repentance: A Fresh Start

Confession isn’t just about saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about repentance—choosing to change. Agreeing with God about our sins and committing to a new path transforms our lives. Without repentance, it’s like taking the trash out only to keep bringing it back inside. Repentance ensures that we live clean, free from recurring guilt and shame.

Here’s the good news: life lived in step with God’s ways is simply better. While external challenges like illness and hardship may remain, the internal peace that comes from living clean is priceless. It’s a lighter, freer way to live.

A Simple Exercise to Get Started

If you’re ready to experience the freedom that comes with confession, here’s a practical way to start:

1. Breathe
   Take a few deep breaths and focus on God’s presence. Let his Spirit fill your heart and mind.

2. Pray Psalm 139:23-24
   Ask God to reveal any areas in your life that need confession:
   “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

3. Write It Down
   Whatever God brings to mind, write it on a piece of paper. It could be a word, a name, or a symbol—something that represents your confession.

4. Release It
   Physically let it go. Drop it in a symbolic container, throw it in the trash, or even flush it. Let this act remind you that God has forgiven you and taken that sin away.

5. Confess to Someone if Needed
   If you feel led, share your confession with a trusted person. This could be a pastor, counselor, or close friend. Healing often comes through community.

Final Thoughts

Confession is not about guilt—it’s about grace. Whether you’re confessing Jesus as Lord for the first time or bringing a hidden sin into the light, God is ready to meet you with forgiveness and restoration. Don’t carry the weight of unconfessed sin another day. Take a deep breath, release your burdens to God, and step into the freedom and joy he offers.

Living clean isn’t just possible—it’s the abundant life God designed for you. Are you ready to take the first step?

Recap adapted from January 19, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton